We all know about Messi, Suarez and Neymar (MSN), but here’s a list of unsung heroes who contributed greatly to Barcelona’s amazing treble-winning season of 2014/15…
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1) Ivan Rakitic
A player who will no doubt get more attention now after his excellent opening goal for Barcelona in yesterday’s final, Ivan Rakitic has proven an excellent signing since joining from Sevilla.
Replacing previous number 4 Cesc Fabregas, the Croatian international has contibuted eight goals and eight assists to his side’s cause, and has arguably looked a more consistent and reliable performer than the Chelsea man ever looked in his difficult three years at the Nou Camp. With his great work rate and superb range of passing, Rakitic has put in big-game performances against the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Juventus in the matches that decided the outcome of the season.
2) Jeremy Mathieu
A signing scoffed at by some in the summer, but Jeremy Mathieu has made his mark at Barcelona since joining from Valencia. The big Frenchman is not the most stylish centre-back you’ll ever see, but he has made a great squad player at the back and scored the all-important opening goal in Barca’s El Clasico win over Real Madrid.
3) Dani Alves
Not such an unsung player perhaps due to his big reputation prior to this season, but it’s easy to ignore quite how good Dani Alves has been this season after a couple of years looking past his best. The 32-year-old Brazilian has rolled back the years, however, getting forward to great effect to provide ten assists for his team-mates and being a key part of making the team tick.
4) Jordi Alba
Another key part of this stylish Barcelona team, left-back Jordi Alba has had a fine season, weighing in with two goals and five assists from defence. A speedy runner and hard-worker, it’s impossible for opponents to handle the Spaniard, whose presence out wide gives more space to the likes of Messi, Suarez and Neymar to do their thing. His run early in the match yesterday was crucial to opening up pockets of space for Iniesta and Rakitic to exploit and score the opener.
5) Claudio Bravo
One of two signinga in goal, Claudio Bravo ended up being the surprise number one for Barcelona this season, doing well to deal with the pressure of replacing the legendary Victor Valdes. The Chilean kept a record-breaking number of clean sheets in La Liga as Barca ended the season with the best defensive record in Spain.
6) Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Initially expected to be first choice in goal, Marc-Andre ter Stegen was instead used in the cup games for Barcelona and still didn’t let the side down, helping them to victory in the Copa del Rey and now the Champions League, putting in a strong performance in the final against Juventus.